Person: Patricia Ellis OAM
Trish Ellis OAM is a Brinja Yuin Elder who has worked diligently on revitalising the Dhurga language. Trish has played an integral role in the Yuin community, previously serving as a chairperson of the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and as the joint management coordinator for handback of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks.
Trish has worked as a teacher of Yuin Language and Culture for 40 years and also teaches cultural perspectives in subject areas like conservation, land management and children’s studies. She was a board member on the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust Board and in 2023 was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her contribution, work and service to the Aboriginal Community of Eurobodalla Shire.
Chert and Faceting Stones
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about a type of stone called chert and how it was highly prized for tool making….
Different Kinds of Language
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about the different kinds of communication Aboriginal people used traditionally….
Bulrush
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about Bullrush, how to harvest it and teaches us how to make rope with it….
Bunyip and the Black Swan
Patricia Ellis OAM tells the Creation story of ‘The Bunyip and the Black Swan’ and shows the site of the story….
Ceremonies
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about ceremonies, gendered ceremonies, their importance, and the multiple occasions for ceremony….
Culture
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about her Culture and shares what it means to her and what it has taught her….
Dhurga Language
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about the Dhurga Language, its reawakening and the way it is being taught today….
Government Policy
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about government policy, that enforced segregation, assimilation and the forced removals and Aboriginal women as domestics….
Invasion Day / Survival DayAustralia Day
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about Australia Day, Aboriginal people’s survival and shares her feelings about January 26….
Matriarchal Societies
Patricia Ellis OAM talks about matriarchal societies, grandmother’s law, women’s strength in culture and women’s knowledge….
